Carole Rodrigue Fine Artist Specializing in Pet Portraits and Still Life

How to Paint Wildlife Art in Pastels -- Draw a Realistic Wolf

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 19:57:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint photorealistic animals in pastels?

I have a 3 hour and 27 minute long step by step video on how to paint wildlife art in pastels. I take you from the beginning, by laying down a base layer, to detailing for high realism, as well as creating a beautiful soft background, so you can have hyperrealistic results with your work!

By learning the principles I teach in this video, you will then have an excellent understanding of how you can use these techniques in your own work and on various animals such as cats and dogs for pet portraits, as well as other wildlife art drawings and paintings.

You will learn how to layer the fur to achieve something that looks like a real wolf, as well as the eye and the tricky nose. I hold nothing back in this art tutorial, and share everything I do, step by step. I myself have watched too many videos and bought too many books where I felt that too much information was missing, and in this lesson, I show you EVERYTHING!

If you're interested, check out the trailer and then you can purchase for instant Video on Demand streaming so you can follow along and watch any time at your convenience, and as many times as you like! Just click the Buy link on the top right corner of the trailer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

How to Paint Pets and Wildlife Art in Pastels, Online Art Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 03:09:00 +0000

EDIT: I have closed my Patreon account and instead I'll be providing art instructional videos via VOD. Please visit my website for more info! I also have several free full tutorials on my YouTube channel!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint pet portraits, wildlife art, and still life in pastels? Online art tutorials are now available through my Patreon channel. These lessons are full length, from start to finish, fully narrated, and with real time footage so you can see what I'm doing.

My channel is still very new, but I already have a lot of videos uploaded and available for immediate access!

What sorts of lessons are available?

There are some still life lesson, as well as several pet portraits, dogs, cats, big cats, and other wildlife lessons. More get uploaded each week!

When you sign up, you have a choice of a $4 level and get three full pastel painting tutorials per month, as well as access to all previous pastel lessons. These keep building up over time.

The next level is $6, and you get all three videos per month, but you also get the reference photos as well as line art so you can paint your own at your leisure, in the comfort of you own home, following the videos!

The way Patreon works is that it is a paid monthly subscription, but it can be cancelled at any time. They've been around a long time and are very easy to work with, and it's really no fuss.

If you're on the fence, have a look at my channel, or have a look at my intro page on my website where I have some of the lesson images posted. Not all are on my page, but it will give you a pretty good idea about what's available. I did have a higher tier level with oil painting tutorials, but I am taking it down due to time constraints and will only have pastel tutorials. I will have occasional oil painting tutorials on my YouTube channel, so do be sure to subscribe to it so you don't miss out!

Before signing off, here's a speed painting video, but the full tutorial is on my Patreon. Enjoy! :-D

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 22:41:00 +0000

Lost in Thought

8 x 8 pastel on pastelmat

Become a Patron!

Folks, I have exciting news!

If you're wondering why I haven't posted for a while it's because of several things. First, Christmas and commission season had me very busy until the end of January. Second, I've been planning, for some time now, and have finally been able to put together my own Patreon channel!

Huh, you ask?

Well, lemme tell you . . .

Patreon is a subscription based platform for artists and creators. They share content and patrons subscribe for small fees. These small monthly subscriptions help artists keep creating and providing valuable content for their patrons and fans. These pledges help artists upgrade equipment and supplies required to produce art and content, as well as those of us who produce videos and tutorials.

So, here's what my Patreon offers you:

- you get full video tutorials, slowed right down, and about one hour long each
- the videos are fully narrated with explanations from start to finish
- these videos give tutorials on pet portraits, wildlife, still life, birds, horses, squirrels . . . you name it! There is a stronger focus on animals though
- patrons get exclusive access to a private Facebook group where they can learn from each other, support each other, share their work, and have fun!
- patrons can ask me questions which will help them with their art, much the same way a tutor helps in an in person workshop
- reference photos and line art at the third and fourth tiers of support

My videos and tutorials are designed and create with you, the learner, in mind so that you may reap maximum benefits in your art learning journey. Now, it's important to not that I don't claim to be the ultimate source for learning as no such thing or person exists, but I can show you what I do, how I do it, and why I do it so that you may learn and apply these skills in your own work.

Patreon is fun! It's very convenient, and you work at your own pace. That's important in online lessons! I leave all content up on Patreon so that over time, there will be a HUGE bank of tutorial videos, accessible by patrons only.

If you're interested, come on over and check it out, and I hope to see you as a patron!

Become a Patron!

How to Paint a Tiger Eye and Fur in Oils

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 03:39:00 +0000

Tiger Eye Study

6 x 6 oil on gessoed hard board

Available

Omg, I cannot believe I forgot to share some of my recent works and videos! It's that time of year where I'm busy with pet portrait commissions as well as trying to keep up to date with videos, social media, all that stuff, and it slipped my mind to share a couple of things.

This tiger eye is a study painted in oils for a YouTube video tutorial. I show my process for how to paint a tiger eye and fur. I hope you like it! If you do, please subscribe to be notified of upcoming videos and give it a thumbs up.

I'm also planning on creating a Patreon channel soon where longer, slower videos will be uploaded with more detailed tutorials for those interested in learning more about my techniques. Stay tuned!

How to Paint Cat Eyes and Fur in Pastels - Narrated Speed Painting Video

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 02:33:00 +0000

In this video, I explain my process for how to paint realistic cat eyes and fur in pastels. I worked on pastelmat, which is beautiful for working fine details. The whole piece is 8.5 x 8.5 and took about 4 hours. I hope you enjoy this video!

How to Paint Still Life - Tutorial for Beginners

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 03:26:00 +0000

It's been a while since I've posted pet portraits, but that's because they've all been secret Christmas commissions. That's the downfall for artists working in commissions: it's the time of year we can't show anything.

But!

I did complete this mini tutorial on still life for those of you who are beginner to intermediate artists and want to improve your still life skills, or painting skills period. Painting still life has always been considered a cornerstone of skill development when it comes to art.

For this lesson, I recorded a narrated YouTube video explaining my process. I also wrote a PDF with a step by step on what I did to create this realistic pear. You learn about shadows, lighting, and other important stuff.

The PDF is FREE for those who subscribe to my newsletter! You can have a look at the video and the PDF can assist you as you paint this pear. I have also created a Facebook group where I have a reference photo uploaded and people can share their work and help each other.

If this interests you, have a look, sign up for my newsletter, and I will send you the PDF for free. Just be sure to keep an eye on your spam filter just in case, and allow me 24 hours to send it since there is no autoresponder with my MailChimp newsletter service.

Also, be sure to like my video, then hit the subscribe button right on the screen. It won't interfere with the video.

Enjoy!

German Shepherd Pastel Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 20:11:00 +0000

Wally (pastel pet portrait)

8 x 10 pastel on Clairefontaine pastelmat

Private collection

Friends, this is Wally and he is an absolutely beautiful GSD I recently had the pleasure of painting. I love the muted tones in this portrait, with his face clearly being the focal point. His eyes seem to contain so much wisdom. Or, maybe he's looking at someone thinking, "Hey, that's my stick?" 😉

Whatever he's thinking, I think anyone can agree he is a magnificent beast.

Wally's portrait was painted on Clairefontaine pastelmat. It has become my favourite support for painting pastel pet portraits, I love how easily the pastels flow on the paper and at how well it holds the pastel.

I don't spray my pastel portraits because sprays darken the painting, and since pastels are nearly pure pigment, they don't need it. Once under a glass frame, a pastel portrait is very well protected. Also, spraying terrifies me since I've seen pastel paintings ruined by splotched that were spit out of clean, brand new cans. I just don't trust them and would rather not even risk all that work. The purity of pastels is good enough under glass and there are many pastel paintings which are well over 100 years old that still look as good as the day they were created.

While painting this piece, I recorded my process. I feel it's fun for people to see what is involved in creating a pastel pet portrait. This video is condensed to under 8 minutes, but there is over 8 hours of work involved. Enjoy watching it, and don't be afraid to contact me for information, or even leave a comment!

Aussie Pastel Pet Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:56:00 +0000

Luna

11 x 14 oil on panel

SOLD

This pretty girl is Luna, an Aussie who I had the pleasure of painting recently. When I was commissioned to paint her, I fell in love with her inquisitive, expressive eyes. She just looks like a dog who is waiting for the next fun instruction.

Her pet portrait was painted with oils and I chose to do her on a panel, which is my favourite when it comes to painting pets or any animal with oils. They allow for smooth brush and paint flow, and I find I can create better details because I'm not fighting with the grain in canvas.

I hope you like Luna's painting. She certainly was a treat to paint and I look forward to sharing some more pet paintings very soon!

By the way, pet portrait commissions requests are already coming in for Christmas, so please don't delay if you're thinking of having a painting made of your dog or cat, or any other pet. I paint these pet portraits from your photos and the process is simple. Message me through the side link for more info.

P.S. Here's a little clip showing some brush work on Luna.

New Pastel Pet Portrait: Francesca

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 21:25:00 +0000

Francesca

8 x 10 pastel on Clairefontaine pastelmat

SOLD

Francesca was a recent commission from a group of school board colleagues to their co-worker as a retirement gift. I was excited when I was commissioned to paint this sweet girl. It's not often that I get to paint snow, so it was a treat. This led to another commission with snow and a black dog, which I'll be starting on soon. It'll be a Christmas gift so I won't be able to show it until later.

Painting her little Burberry dog coat was also fun. Francesca is really styling in that coat!

Hope you enjoyed this one. You might also enjoy this portrait here:
http://rodrigueart.blogspot.com/2018/05/merlot-dog-portrait-in-pastels.html

Yorkie/Pug Mix Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 02:17:00 +0000

Lily

8 x 10 oil on canvas

SOLD

How do you like these sweet peepers!? I just love little Lily's eyes. The whole time I was painting her, I kept calling her Miss Lilly. I've met her a couple of times and she is such a sweet doll. She is a Yorkie Pug mix and her painting was a birthday surprise. A very nice man bought a gift certificate, which he gifted to his beloved. She was then able to pic out what she wanted painted for herself and was so please with her pooch's painting.

If you want to commission a pet portrait but are unsure of which photo to use or don't have any, gift certificates are available also. This is a convenient and easy way to gift a pet portrait either in oil or pastel for a special someone.

Here is a photo of the first layer of oil paint I had applied for Lily's painting . . .

And here is a short video clip showing the very delicate pressure I'm using on my brush to apply fine hairs. Minimal pressure is important as well as loading very little paint. Too much paint and you have a blob, and too much pressure, and you end up with a thick messy brush stroke. This is why an oil painting takes so much more time than a pastel. I work in layers to create realistic depth, with each requiring drying time before the next can be applied, otherwise the paints blend and you end up with mud. Second, once I'm at the detailing stage, it takes time to work with the small brushes I use. These allow me to create a highly detailed, realistic painting. When I say each piece is painted with love, I mean it!

Here's that little video, shot with my phone for Instagram so forgive the narrow angle . . .
(~clearing throat . . . yes, that was a plug for my Instagram so you could give it a follow, if you're so inclined . . . ) 😉

And if you thought Lily was a Shih Tzu, you're not alone. I thought so too. If you want to see my latest Shih Tzu pet portrait in pastel, you can have a look here . . . .

http://rodrigueart.blogspot.com/2018/08/daydreaming-shih-tzu-pastel-painting.html

Thanks for stopping by!

Daydreaming Shih Tzu Pastel Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 20:06:00 +0000

Rainy Days

8 x 10 pastel on Clairefontaine pastelmat

This is my girl Taja and she hates to have her photo taken. I called the painting Rainy Days because she looks as though she's looking outside longingly during a rainy day. At least, that's what could be interpreted. Actually though, she despises having her photo taken and will usually turn her head. This time, she was just pretending to ignore me. What a character she is, and I just adore her and love painting her when I'm looking to practice with new mediums or surfaces. All this though is just to say that if your pet is difficult to photograph as mine is, sometimes the best shots are the impromptu ones. Your dog or cat just going about their business, looking out the window, playing, sitting outside, all those natural things they do, can make excellent pet portraits. If your pet won't sit still for a photo, try capturing them doing something they do naturally. Beautiful paintings can be made with these and they capture your pet's true nature. Catch them at just being themselves.

With this portrait, I had received new Caran d'Ache pastel pencils as well as Clairefontaine pastelmat and I was giving them a good try. I fell in love with both the pastel pencils and the pastelmat, and I will be a lifer! Nothing compares to the Caran d'Ache unless you're using a soft pastel stick like a Rembrandt or Sennelier. These are beautifully soft and buttery, but the pencils are quite handy for small detail work. As for the pastelmat, I love its ability to hold a lot of pastel, the ease of blending, and the ability to detail.

If you're unsure about which medium you prefer, oil or pastel, consider that both are excellent. I do charge less for my pastels because my turn around time is less than a more intensive oil painting. Both have beautiful pigment. I only use professional quality materials to ensure archival quality. Pastels do need to be protected under glass but they are almost pure pigment. There's no need to fear pastels and they do give such an amazing realistic finish and ability to detail.

I'll be back soon with more pet portraits to share. Thanks for stopping by, and here's a quick video showing some of my pet portraits close up. Enjoy!

Chihuahua Pet Portraits in Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 03:01:00 +0000

Tyson

8 x 10 Oil on canvas

SOLD

The Amigos

18 x 24 Oil on canvas

SOLD

It's been a while since I've uploaded any paintings to my blog, and for this I apologize. I'll be uploading several in the coming days, so please bear with me.

This cute little bunch of pups is owned by the same family. The first painting, Tyson, was sadly a memorial painting. He had just passed when I was commissioned and he was gifted to my client's husband who I'm told loved him so much and was heartbroken. He was a truly sweet looking dog.

The second painting, was the whole posse of chihuahuas owned by the family. They are from left to right, Mary, Tido,Tyson, and Logan. They were standing on a deck and my client wanted it painted in. I think each pup is so adorable and I'm happy I was able to capture their personalities.

Anyway, I'll post another piece tomorrow, so do come back. If you want, you can also select to be notified by email. Just look for the link. And, if you're thinking of having your own dog, cat, horse, or other beloved pet painted, just contact me for info. The process is easy. Send me your photos, we decide on a size, whether it's pastel or oil, and you approve the painting once it's done before deciding if you want to go ahead with the purchase. A deposit is required. More pet portrait commission info and prices can be found here.

Merlot, Dog Portrait in Pastels

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 08 May 2018 19:28:00 +0000

Merlot

8.5 x 11

SOLD

This adorable little guy is Merlot. When I was commissioned to paint him, I received a few photos and the one I used for this portrait instantly jumped out at me. The cute tilt of his head is a look that all dog owners know and love about their pets. To be able to capture it in a painting, priceless!

Merlot's pet portrait was given as a birthday gift and I'm told the recipient loved her gift! I can't tell you how much I adored painting this little guy.

In fact, I'm absolutely in love with doing pet portraits in pastels. I recently started using Clairefontaine pastelmat and am super pleased with this support. I had other pastelmat which wasn't exactly like the Clairefontaine. I still love using the UART sanded paper too, so I will use both. I think I'll reserve the sanded paper for larger pieces.

And speaking of pastel supplies, I recently ordered a few Caran d'Ache pastel pencils to try out. I am now forever ruined for other pencils. These are the cream of the crop, the cadillac of pastel pencils. I instantly fell in love so hard with them, that I made a goal of ordering the full 84 pencil set which comes in a wooden box. It's an investment, that's for sure, but well worth it for a professional artist.

Anyway, within 24 hours of setting my intention, I sold two paintings, and in the next two days, I received two large commissions which way more than cover the price. I took this as a clear sign that I could go ahead and order my set, so I did! When you set a clear intention and do something to make it happen, the universe will indeed help you!

My set should be coming in tomorrow or the next day, so I will take a video and photos and maybe do a post on these beautiful pastels.

Until then . . . ta-ta for now!

Goldendoodle Pastel Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Mon, 07 May 2018 02:30:00 +0000

Max

11 x 14 pastel on suede mat board

SOLD

This precious guy is Max. He was commissioned as a birthday gift from a friend to her best friend.

Max's family has a cottage where he loves to spend hours outdoors. The reference for this portrait was taken this past winter and he was surrounded by snow and bright sunshine. I felt too much white would not have worked well with this piece so I painted him with earthy tones, which create drama and contrast. This way, I was able to paint the atmosphere and light around Max, which I feel render a wonderful portrait.

I had also considered not painting the wind-blown hair, but felt this added to the portrait's interest as well as Max's character since he loves being outdoors at the cottage. The portrait will always be a wonderful reminder of long days Max spent playing at the cottage, and this, is what creates wonderful pet paintings.

Pitbull Mastiff Cross Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 18:57:00 +0000

Odie

8 x 10 oil on canvas

SOLD

You know, every once in a while as a pet portrait artist, you get a reference that you just fall in love with. This was one such time.

This sweet boy was commissioned as a gift and my client was concerned she wouldn't be able to provide a good reference. As soon as I saw the reference for this painting, I knew it was a winner. Everyone just loves Odie's painting and I can tell you how much I am in love with this boy's soulful eyes. I mean, just look at those peepers! Jeepers! (insert heart eye emoji)

In other news, things are moving at a fast pace in the studio with commissions piling up, but I'm not complaining! I'm also planning on some wildlife paintings for auction as soon as I can get some time to squeeze them in. I think I'm going to get caught up and then commit myself to working on commissions in the daytime, my other art at night. That could work.

Also, the Sudbury Women in Art book is having another show! This time, the art show curators and authors of the book were able to secure the month of April at the Art Gallery of Sudbury. An opening reception will be held this Thursday, April from 6:00-8:00 pm. I'll be showing my hockey painting as well as a new landscape. It's sure to be another amazing show, so if you're local, I'd love to see you there!

Black Cat Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 02:06:00 +0000

Zsa Zsa

8 x 10 oil on canvas

SOLD

Meet pretty Zsa Zsa. This was a memorial painting which I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do. There were no good clear photos of her, and the reference used for this painting had been taken with a flash, which meant her eyes were not visible. I was able to correctly guess the colour of her eyes, however, and my client was extremely delighted to have a painting of her beloved cat.

I also painted her dog Chico, which was thought to be a Jack Russel Terrier mix. This was also a memorial painting, and as with Zsa Zsa, there were no good clear photos.

When a pet is gone, it's not always easy to find good photos. This is why I always stress to my friends to take lots of good photos while they are alive! Most of the time, I have to turn away commissions where there are no good references because I don't want to disappoint my clients with a sub-standard painting. This time, I'm so happy I was able to do this for my client. It meant the world to her and she is delighted to finally have her two precious pets painted and hanging on her walls.

If you're ever in doubt, the only way to be sure is to contact me and then send me whatever photos you have. Doing custom pet portraits from photos is not always possible, but you never know until I have a look. You might be surprised that it can be done!

Chico

11 x 14 oil

SOLD

German Shepherd Portrait in Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:24:00 +0000

Mondo

8 x 10 pastel

SOLD

I am so excited that I can share this beautiful boy with you! Mondo is such a beautiful German Shepherd and I was thrilled when I was commissioned to paint him.

The lighting in this painting is so calm and warm, and sets a beautiful soft scene. The original photo was taken outside in evening light, which is perfect for those beautiful references.

I had started recording the process, but technical issues interrupted the recording. I might be able to salvage the beginning.

Please be sure to check out the contact info on the right as well as other examples of pet portraits if you're interested in having your own commission!

Drawing a Cat Eye in Colored Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 03:56:00 +0000

Niemr's Eye

5 x 5 colored pencil

This is a quick eye study I've completed in about three hours today. One of my goals for this year is to start doing more colored pencil pieces. I absolutely love this medium, and it gives me a break from mediums that affect the lungs. Being afflicted with asthma, paints and pastels do get to me after a while, so a break is alway welcome. Also, I just really, REALLY love colored pencils and want to master this medium!

I'm embedding a quick clip from my Facebook page showing me laying down some hairs. Enjoy, and pease go give my page a LIKE to see more works in progress!

Pastel Golden Retriever Puppy Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 02:36:00 +0000

Sadie

8 x 10 pastel on pastelmat

Private Collection

Have you ever seen a cuter puppy?

Everyone, this is Sadie. She was selected as the winner in my pet portrait contest on my Facebook page. Yes, her owner WON this portrait for FREE!!! I do hold these a couple of times a year, so you really should follow me . . . ----------> HERE. :-D

Sadie's portrait is painted with pastels on pastelmat. I play around with various pastel supports because the truth is, I can't decide which I prefer yet. After several years of working with pastels, I can't decide if I prefer sanded paper, suede mat board, velour paper, or pastelmat. These are all great, but they all have their issues as well. I know I don't like paper paper. I need something that takes layers.

With suede mat board and velour paper, I just love the softness you get, but you can't detail very well, not like sanded paper or pastel mat. Then with pastelmat and sanded paper, I love how you can detail and layer, but I find it's still an issue to layer certain pastels together, and there isn't that fluffy softness you get with the velour or suede, event softening and blending. So, those are my issues. I don't know if I'll ever have a favourite.

I did manage to put together a speed painting video with my painting process for this piece. It's just over 5 minutes long. If you like it, how about giving it a thumbs up on YouTube and subscribe for more videos as well? I'd be very grateful. :-D

#petportraits #goldenretrievers #goldenretrieverpuppies #goldenretrieverpaintings #goldenretrieverpuppypaintings #realisticdogpaintings #petportraitsCanada #realisticpetportraits #custompetportraits #petportraitartists

Free Pet Portrait Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 20:35:00 +0000

Indy

8 x 10 oil

SOLD

Tommy

8 x 10 oil

SOLD

Happy New Year everyone!

The year has started with a lot of studio work already and several commissions lined up. These two cat paintings were Christmas commissions from the same client. Tommy is a girl you know, and Indy is a tough little guy who wasn't expected to still be around, but here he is and let's hope he stays healthy for a long time! Both were painted with oils on canvas.

Since it's the new year and I'm not busy enough ;-) I've decided to run a FREE PET PORTRAIT GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page! Yes! The rules are simple.

You must:
1. Like my page
2. Like the post itself
3. Post your best pet photo in the comments

The winner will be announced Friday, January 12, 2018. Please go ahead and enter, and best of luck!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 03:26:00 +0000

Miss December

9 x 12 pastel on velour paper

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

This is my Shih Tzu Taja. She's now 8 years old and I'd been wanting to paint her for a Christmas card for years but just wasn't able to until now.

Taja is camera shy. She just hates having her picture taken! I wasn't able to get her to pose, so I used an other photo I had already snuck of her a while back, and then while she was napping in the same spot, I held the little hat to her head so I could get the same light and shadows as in the photo reference. This way, everything is accurate.

I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. Actually, I LOVE this! Maybe it's because it's my dog, but I just love it. If you look closely, you'll see I even painted myself in the ornament. We're always together all day long with she being my studio assistant and all, so why not be together in the painting? ;-)

Anyway, thank you to everyone for your support. This has been an amazing year for me as an artist. I left a good government job last February to pursue this crazy pet portrait artist thing, and the universe has blessed me!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and happy and prosperous New Year to everyone!

P.S. I've inserted a little video clip of her nose being detailed.
P.P.S. I'd appreciate a Facebook Like if you're so inclined! Both the page and the video. That'd be cool. Thanks!

Booking Pet Portraits in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:54:00 +0000

Chupes

8 x 10 oil on canvas

SOLD

Oh my! Where has the time gone?

I've completed all of my commissions for 2017 and am now booking for the new year. I've been so busy, I haven't had a chance to post some of the wonderful pieces I've completed and am approved to show!

This adorable doll is Chupes, and sadly, I received the commission request to paint her portrait the day after she passed. Her owner loved her so much and was so saddened by her passing. She loves her portrait and I'm so happy I was able to do something to help keep Chupes' memory alive.

We had several photos that I used to work with for this portrait: one for the body, another for the eyes and face, and a few more to get her little mouth just right. She's painted in my favourite style, chiaroscuro and I can't express how happy I am with how this painting turned out.

I am now booking commissions now for the new year. I still have my special on for discounted prices, but that's only if commissions are booked with a deposit by December 31, 2017. Please see my website at carolerodrigue.com for more info!

More paintings will be posted soon, so be sure to come back!

P.S. Here's a little clip from my Facebook page where I'm painting in her whiskers . . .

Himalayan Persian Oil Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 04:07:00 +0000

Magoo

11 x 14 oil on canvas

SOLD

Magoo is a beautiful Himalayan Persian that I was commissioned to paint for a Christmas gift. My client apparently was so excited that he spilled the beans to his wife about her gift! So, both of them are very happy with little Magoo's painting and I am able to share this little early. Isn't Magoo such a cute name?

Magoo is the first Persian I've been commissioned to paint, as well as the first blue-eyed cat I've painted. I was ecstatic to have been asked to paint this little guy and am very pleased with how he turned out.

I wanted to make sure to give this painting a classical feel since it's such a classically beautiful cat. The edges were deliberately painted very soft and the focus is his adorable face and eyes. I loved every minute of painting this beautiful cat and am so happy with the results.

Have I ever said how much . . .
I. Love. My. Job.

That's what I should call this page because I really, really do. What a satisfying job this is! I'll have so many more paintings to share soon, so thank you for stopping by and if you have any commission or other inquiries, do be sure to CONTACT me. (<-----> just click CONTACT. You can also visit my WEBSITE to see more.

And in case you missed these . . .

Have a look at my realistic Maine Coon painting . . .
http://rodrigueart.blogspot.ca/2017/10/third-in-maine-coon-oil-paintings.html

And here's a gorgeous tabby cat I recently painted . . .
http://rodrigueart.blogspot.ca/2017/10/sienna-no-2-tabby-painting.html

Third in Maine Coon Oil Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 20:24:00 +0000

Simba

Maine Coon

6 x 6 oil on Richeson panel

SOLD

What can I say? I am so thrilled with how Simba's pet portrait turned out! I painted Simba's housemates Baxter and Skylar before, and this guy's portrait was the final piece. I cannot express how much I enjoyed painting these guys. Maine Coons are such beautiful cats, with their flowing long fur, huge eyes, and almost dog like attitudes. No wonder they're such beloved cats!

What I love the most about Simba's painting is his look of defiance. He seems to be full of attitude, as though he's saying, "Hey! What about it? Got something to say?" Yeah, that's what I see when I look at this guy and I'm so happy I was able to convey that. It was such a precious part of this portrait.

I still have a few spots open for Christmas but do not wait otherwise time will run out! Contact me using the button on your right if you have any questions.

#mainecooncats #petportraits #petportraitpaintings #catart #mainecoonpaintings

Sienna No. 2, A Tabby Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Carole Rodrigue) — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 20:28:00 +0000

Sienna No. 2

8 x 10 Oil

SOLD

Ah Sienna, what can I say? This is the second time I've painted this girl and both times was such a delight.

I call Sienna a supermodel. Her human is a wonderful photographer and knows how to take amazing photos of her animals, with just the right light and interesting looks. In all honesty, I have to credit her for the amazing references she gives me. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful photographer as a client. I don't know how she found me, but I'm forever grateful for her support.

You can also take wonderful photographs of your pet. I wrote some great ideas here about how to get the best possible shot for a pet portrait.

Also, Sienna's dog sister was also painted by me earlier this year. I'm attaching links to both Sienna's first pet portrait as well as Shelby's, the Belgian Malinois. I can't tell you how honoured I was to paint them!